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Copyright 401st BGA
Mission Details for Sorau (#78)
Briefing
Details
Number:
78
Date:
5/29/1944 12:00:00 AM
Commander:
Maj. R.J. White
Crews Briefed:
21
Details:
Focke Wolf Aircraft Assembly Plant
Flying Control
Runway:
23
Engines:
0800
Taxi:
0815
Take Off:
0830
E.T.R.:
1755
Notes:
Briefing at 0530 hours. All but one operational aircraft had returned by 1818; the missing ship had landed at Langham short on fuel.
Debriefing
Aircraft:
21
Lost Over Continent:
0
Lost Other:
0
Summary:
On the day following the diastrous Dessau mission, the Group put up 21 aircraft to form the High Box of the 94th Combat Wing. The target was an aircraft plant near the Polish border. After approaching Berlin, the Group turned southwest and let down to 15,000 feet as there was not enough oxygen to stay at 25,000 feet for the entire mission. Fortunately, American fighter escorts appeared on time, and the Group was able to make a visual approach to the target. Lead Bombardier Lt. Bill Dolan sighted the target and, with his release of bombs, the Group blanketed the MPI. The Group then headed north to the Baltic Sea and made its way home without loss.
The 401st was not attacked by the Luftwaffe, but they observed a new American fighter pilot, Lt. Dale Spencer, shoot down four Me-410's in 45 seconds. He was later royally entertained by the 401st at Deenethorpe to celebrate his accomplishment.
Mission Assignments
Squadron
Participants
Crew
Aircraft
1st Lt George F. Bingham Crew #1
42-39993 Hell's Angel Out of Chute 13
Capt Scribner C. Dailey Crew #1
42-31072 Betty J.
2nd Lt William E. Massey Crew #1
42-31496 Salvo Sadie
Capt Richard D. McCord Crew #1
42-97344 Carrie B II
1st Lt John W. Myretetus Crew #1
42-97811 Slick Chick
Capt Kermit H. Opie Crew #1
42-102398 Dynamite John
1st Lt Kenneth C. Wells Crew #1
42-97780 Blue Bomb Express
No Assignments were found.
1st Lt George L. La Fevor Crew #1
(Unknown)
Capt James F. Risher Crew #1
42-97322 Mister Completely
1st Lt Fred M. Taylor Crew #1
(Unknown)
1st Lt Robert P. Walsh Crew #1
(Unknown)
Capt Ellsworth E. Christensen Crew #1
(Unknown)
Capt Ralph M. Dempsey Crew #1
(Unknown)
Capt Stephen J. Lozinski Crew #1
(Unknown)
1st Lt William J. Mann Crew #1
(Unknown)
Capt Clinton J. Parr Crew #1
(Unknown)
Capt William W. Trimble Crew #1
(Unknown)